Lfalex v1.1

I'd only have a 5H in Classic. They just don't look "right" in my eyes with anything else. I'm not a dyed-in-the-wool traditionalist, but I'd just get a different bass if I wanted different pickup configurations.

If I had to have one on aesthetic grounds, it'd be the black 4H. The fiver might be awesome, but it doesn't look like a 'Ray. Call me old fashioned, but a 'Ray should look like a 'Ray. If I wanted a 5HH, I think I'd go for a Bongo...

I thought all the gold-badged MECs were active pickups, with the silver-badged ones being passive. I'm sure some of the higher-spec instruments had 18v electrics (Dolphins, Streamer Stage 2) Edit- the Thumb Thru-neck 5 I tried years ago was definitely 18v- I had the backplate off and there were 2 batteries in there..

Oddly, Warwick make/ have made more models that channel the Ray than the other way around. Later HH and HS Ray and Bongo models have echoed Warwick configurations, though. I might be tempted to suggest that Warwick's use of active pickups and (in some cases) 18v electrics may find favour with some.

Here's some ideas; Maybe email the manufacturer of the bass in question? Ask them if they use a specific torque setting. Have you an electric screwdriver/drill with a torque setting? Work out what the tightest setting is that you can undo by hand and use that- it's what I do when assembling furniture etc. It'll give consistent results, and most drivers will let you tighten it up gently. Otherwise, I'd venture to suggest that as tight as you can without damaging the heads or stripping the threads is best. I'd adjust action and intonation after the neck is good and tight.

All of this.

How heavy would it be, I wonder. Would the neck be aluminium or wooden?

Some people seem to think it's about a ditsy woman who walks into doors...

The central theme of "Luka" by Suzanne Vega is Child Abuse.

"Cornflake Girl" by Tori Amos is about female genital mutilation...

That's a very valid point. I own a Warwick Infinity SN4. And it can sound amazing. To me, it's all about balancing the JJ at the bridge against the J at the neck and setting the treble EQ accordingly. It doesn't sound much like the one in the vid, that's for sure!

Nice to see something different!

I'll have; Smith BSR 5 TN Warwick Infinity SN4 The Vigier. But I may be biased...

I use the tap tempo reverb on my Korg Pandora (for headphone practice) almost permanently. I don't use a lot, just a smidge to help it slot into the mix of whatever I'm playing along to. This extends to my EUB also. Can't comment on DB, as I don't have one.

The best B strings I have are not on the instruments you might expect; NS Design NS-CR5 electric upright 10 String Rosewood Chapman stick Both, however, are well-designed and well-constructed, and are of longer than average scale length; 42 inches and 36 inches respectively.

I always think they look best if they "echo" the appearance and curvature of the fretboard, as though it's meant to be there (The Ibanez GWBs exemplify this, and so do the Zon Manring Hyperbass, but for a different reason! )

Did you use water in the ultrasonic cleaner? Iso-propyl alcohol might be good, depending on how much your cleaner holds. Check if it's a fire hazard if used in a such a cleaner, though!

I bought a ton of gear there, some of which I still have. The place was a revelation when first I visited. Grant, Nick, Alex and Chris were great. They'd set you up with a suitable amp and just let you get on with it. None of this "Please can I try..." "Just help yourself, mate!" Not what I was used to at all! One bass did get away; a Ken Smith 6er. Should've bought it, but took a Steamer LX6 instead. I bought a Stingray 5 fretless (Alnico) there. Superb instrument, but just didn't gel with it. All the others stayed for many, many years.

Maybe one of the UK based string manufacturers could make a set of strings with smaller ball-ends? Newtone, for example.

Last band I was in, the guitarist kind of held sway. He was royally rude to the organiser of a charity event we played at. After we played, I went over to said organiser whilst the guitarist was talking to them, apologized for his behaviour, and quit right there and then. The drummer was there, too, and quit as well, for the same reason. Not exactly professional, but I wasn't discourteous. Nor was the drummer.

Can't recall ever playing a duff one, to be honest, though some variations on the theme by other manufacturers can be quite good fun, too. (G&L ASAT, Warwick $$, Warwick Pro M and Masterman in various body styles)

Does that £298 include cutting the holes for the tuners... Because if it doesn't and you mess it up... That's £298 down the drain..

"Go to Hell" Predictably, by; Motorhead, Megadeth, Alice Cooper and GWAR. Less predictably by; Dolly Parton and Nina Simone.

A replacement neck is probably best, but there is another option; Have the fretboard replaced by your friendly neighborhood luthier. You might get a nice choice of material, too. Without lines, naturally. The only issue is that of resale value as opposed to swapping necks.

Didn't the Kubicki Xfactors (etc.) have a 37-piece Maple laminate neck?